The first race of the year has come and gone…. Going into the race I was mainly focused only on the time trial. I almost got hit by a car on the road race course last year so I was not interested in that this year. The criterium is always fun on a closed course downtown with the energy from all the competitors in all categories. Back to the time trial though… I was hoping to meet standard and I was just over a second per kilometer off of the standard. I’m not disappointed at all but learned a couple things. First, be sure to take your caffeine at the right time and not with too much salt. Second, I really feel like the clincher tire on my C7 rime is faster than the C7 tubular I am running. And third, I need to narrow my pedals to be closer together and adjust my headrest. This was my 4th ride out on my new bike outside versus on the stationary trainer indoors. There is a slight difference. I averaged about 85 watts and it was steady for the entire race. I could have gone up to upper 80’s, or more, if all was dialed in correctly. I am sure of that. It was also nice catching up with a few people.
I’m doing well overall. I’m a bit fatigued from the weekend but good overall. Half of this week is less intense and then start ramping up again. I’m going to continue strength training twice weekly, two days of intervals, and two to three zone 2 type days. I am going to stay focused on what is ahead. My goal this year is to get on the podium at a world cup event or two and attend the world championships. Basically, go as fast as I can over 40 minutes for the time trials ad have the endurance for 1 hour and 40 minute road races.
I am also teaching a class on exercise prescription for special populations. I wish they would say disease and/or disability as ‘special’ often makes people think about one specific population. The special term is anybody that is not completely perfect. Perfect as in nothing wrong with them in any way, shape, or form. I’ll start teaching nutrition in just over 3 weeks though. Then, we’ll racing for a spot to represent team USA at the world cups on March 29th. I will add a blog post next month before the race and update soon after during the first week of April. That race will be in Huntsville and the 4th time racing there.